Visualization and Electrical Response of Electroconvective Vortices on the Surface of Homo/Heterogeneous Ion Exchange Membranes

The electromembrane process, which has advantages such as scalability, sustainability, and eco-friendliness, is used in renewable energy fields fuel cells reverse electrodialysis power generation. Most of the research to visualize internal flow process mainly been conducted on heterogeneous ion exchange membranes, because non-uniform swelling characteristics homogeneous membrane. In this study, we successfully electroconvective vortices near Nafion membrane PDMS-based microfluidic devices. To reinforce mechanical rigidity minimize membrane, a newly developed supporter was additionally adapted Thus, clear image could be obtained visualized. As result, observed that relatively stronger compared membranes. Regarding electrical response, higher limiting current less overlimiting Based our visualization, it assumed more activated vortices, lower resistance regime. We anticipate work can contribute fundamental understanding transport depending homogeneity